Anise

Pimpinella anisum
Scientific classification
Domain: Eukaryota Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Apiales Family: Apiaceae Genus: Pimpinella Species: P. anisum
Binomial name
Pimpinella anisum L. 1753
Synonyms
None

Anise (Pimpinella anisum), also known as aniseed, anis, and sweet cumin, is an annual herbaceous plant in the Apiaceae family that produces oil-rich fruits that have a distinct licorice taste. Native to the Mediterranean and first cultivated in Egypt, anise is now produced in Mexico, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Chile, Pakistan, and China. The aniseed can be used in cooking, potpourri, and herbal medicine.

Aniseed should not be confused with the similar tasting star anise or the seeds of fennel.

Anise leaves, although very delicate, can be used for garnishing, and for flavoring food; they do not cook well. Again, they should not be confused with chervil or fennel.

Description

Anise grows to between 18 and 24 inches in height with bright green feather-like leaves and blooms with small white clusters of flowers. The seeds are green-brown and oval in shape with rigid surfaces, measuring 2-4 millimeters. One plant will yield approximately two tablespoons of fruit.

Cultivation

Anise is grown from seed and should be planted where it will reside throughout it's life, as it does not respond well to being transplanted. It is planted in the spring and takes about three months to flower. Anise is best suited for dry, well drained soil in an area where it will receive full sun and remain frost-free for 120 days.

History

Anise is one of the oldest known cultivated herbs, originating in the Mediterranean, the Levant, and Egypt. Egyptians would place anise inside the body prior to mummification as an aromatic. It is also mentioned in the New Testament. Pliny the Elder wrote in the first century that the best anise was found in Crete and discussed some of it's medical benefits, as well as noting that Pythagoras favored it as an antidote for scorpion stings when placed in wine. The Roman agricultural writer Palladius wrote about sowing cumin and anise in the fourth century. As it spread in popularity throughout Europe, in 1305 King Edward I taxed the aniseed to help pay for repairs to London Bridge. There was also a popular belief that creating a potpourri or place anise under your pillow at night would ward off the "evil eye".

Usage

Culinary

The fruit, frequently erroneously referred to as a seed, is used as flavor for numerous liquors around the world. Some notable examples of this are Greek ouzo, Spanish ojen, Turkish raki, and the French pastis brands, Pernod and Ricard. Prior to being banned in many parts of the world in the 1910's, the notorious absinthe usually counted anise among its flavorings.

Aniseed is commonly used as a flavoring in bread, cakes, cookies, and candies. It is also used flavor fish, poultry, soup, and stews. The leaves, which have a more subtle flavor, can be used in salads.

Medicinal

Chemicals within the anise fruit can provide several theraputic benefits. Anethole, the chemical compound that causes the licorice flavor of the fruit, can be used to settle an upset stomach and indigestion. Aniseed also contains the chemicals creosol and alpha-pinene, which function as expectorants, and dianethole and photoanethole, which behave similarly to estrogen.

Other

Some fishermen will use anise oil on their fishing lures to attract freshwater fish.